travellers autobarn kuga

2-3 Berth Kuga Campervan for Hire

• Sleeps 2-3

• Toyota Campervan (2016 - 2023 Fit-Out)

Microwave Fridge Gas cooker Sink Light USB

• Seats & Sleeps 3
• 2016 – 2023 fit-out
• Extra storage space as well as internal height space
• Kitchenette featuring gas cooker, microwave, fridge & sink
• 2*240V Power Plug-ins & USB plugs
• Access to FREE CAMP SITES
• 10% discount on premium camp grounds
• TAB App – discounted activities, campsites and lots more around Australia

About the Kuga Campervan

Our most popular campervan model, the Kuga Campervan is perfect for travelling and living comfortably during your Australian road trip.

Our Kuga Campervan features a practical and comfortable interior, with the kitchen and bedding fit-out being newly built by us (fit-out 2016-20). It further provides you with extra storage room and extra internal height, compared to the traditional Hitop Campervan. Spacious enough to stand up and move around inside, this is the perfect choice for 2-3 travellers.

The Kuga Campervan comes fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, and gas stove in the kitchen, as well as 240V power points and USB ports so you can charge your devices on the go. All you need when you rent this campervan is to throw in your sense of adventure!

• Vehicle age: 2010 to 2017
• Fit-out age: 2016 to 2023
• Transmission: Manual or Automatic (for automatic please email us – no guarantee until confirmed by Travellers Autobarn in writing; automatic not available in Darwin/Perth)
• Engine: 2.0 or 2.7 litre, 4 cyclinder
• Fuel: Unleaded
• Fuel consumption guide: 12 – 14 litres/100 km
• Powered Steering: Yes
• Dual battery: Yes
• Power supply: 2* 240 V to charge electrical appliances

Interior height:

1.85 m * 1.55 m

1.6 m * 1.38 m

• Air Conditioning Front Cabin
• USB & 12 V Plug-in
• Cigarette lighter / Charger
• Radio & CD player
• Fire extinguisher
• Sleeping bags
• Kitchen cutlery
• Kitchen pots & pans
• Cleaning equipment
• Baby seat (0-3 years): Not suitable for children under the age of 4 years
• Booster seat (4-7 years): Available

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Our Campervans

Chubby Camper

Seats 2 • sleeps 2.

Kuga Campervan

Seats 2-3 • sleeps 2-3.

Hi-5 Campervan

Seats 2-5 • sleeps 2-5.

Solar panel

Hi-Top Campervan

Stationwagon

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The Wandering Road

Usa rv road trip travel blog.

An RVer’s Guide to #VanLife

Review: travellers autobarn kuga campervan rental.

Full disclosure: Travellers Autobarn hosted my van life trip to Utah. Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are 100% my own and 100% honest. Thanks!

Table of Contents

My First Van Trip!

The travellers autobarn experience, secrets to #vanlife success, #vanlife essentials, our southern utah road trip route, final thoughts.

First things first: it’s no secret that I’m a proud RVer . But I fully admit the allure of van life just hits different. There’s something about a van and the open road that screams freedom, know what I mean?

I’ve always been curious about giving van life a try. So, when the opportunity presented itself to take an adventure van on a southern Utah road trip with one of my good friends, I thought to myself… why not? Fast forward a few weeks and I found myself on a quick flight to Viva Las Vegas to pick up my home away from home for the next five days, a Travellers Autobarn Kuga Campervan.

The Kuga is a dare-I-say-it adorable van, circa 2018-2020, that fits up to three people. It comes with a microwave, cooktop, mini fridge, sink, and solar panels that power the interior lights and fridge. (There isn’t a generator.) The van gets 13-15 miles per gallon and a rental includes unlimited mileage.

Order the optional “living equipment” package to receive sleeping bags, pillows, cookware, and camping chairs when you pick up the van, which is clutch for those of us picking up the van after a flight. Travellers Autobarn also offers a free space heater, hot water bottle, and extra blankets during the winter.

So what’s my one-word review of van life? Fun! RVing definitely prepared me for the experience . The biggest differences between traveling in a van versus a RV? Storage space is definitely at a premium in the van for sure, so pack light. But it’s SO convenient to not have to worry about a chase or tow car. Vans can truly park anywhere, opening up a lot of great dry camping options, especially in the west.

Read on for my honest review of the Travellers Autobarn rental van experience and our southern Utah girls trip itinerary, featuring stops at two National Parks, two State Parks, and a whole lotta red rocks.

Our mid-October trip began when I picked up the Kuga Campervan in Las Vegas. Travellers Autobarn first opened in Australia in 1993 and they expanded to New Zealand in 2008 and the U.S. in 2019. So far, they have three pick up locations in the U.S.: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Here’s hoping they open up more!

Fill out the registration form online before you arrive to make check in a breeze. I was on the road within 15 minutes. If you want the living supplies or winter gear, be sure to sign up for those ahead of time. Shout out to the Travellers Autobarn Las Vegas branch staff, who were super helpful.

Check your van before you leave to make note of any existing damages. These things are bound to get some wear and tear from adventuring but ours was generally in very good shape. Double-check that you have all the necessary electrical converters for plugging in to shore power at campsites ( this blog post is a good introduction to electricity on the road) and that your sleeping bag works – we realized too late that my sleeping bag zipper was broken. #rookiemistake

Driving in Vegas traffic was definitely the most stressful part of the trip. Pro tip: Terminal 1 at the Las Vegas airport has a 7 foot clearance for arrivals. That means that a 10’2″ Kuga van is too tall! ( 😱 !) If you are picking up a friend, have them take the economy parking lot shuttle and meet you at the cell phone waiting area that is nearby.

My advice? After arriving in Vegas, load up on some Trader Joe’s groceries, grab some In-N-Out and head for the red rocks as soon as possible!

If you are considering a van life trip of your own (which you absolutely should, IMHO), here are some tips to ensure your trip is stress-free.

• Be Flexible: This is the name of the game when it comes to RV or van life. No matter how much you plan, things are bound to go a bit awry. And that’s okay. In our case, my friend’s flight from the east coast got seriously delayed, so we called an audible and rerouted our course to arrive at a closer camping spot than intended for our first night.
• Plan Ahead: I know, I just said that the best made plans still can go awry. But having a general sense of camping options, food and gas station locations, and nearby hiking trails or other attractions will make your life so much easier once you hit the road and your cell service may get weak. Campendium is a great, free resource for researching campgrounds and boondocking spots.
• Mix It Up: Following that same theme of “be prepared,” Travellers Autobarn recommends that you plug in the van at least once every three days to ensure you don’t run out of battery for the lights and fridge. That works out well, because you may want to book a campground around that time to shower, since the van doesn’t have a bathroom. Local gyms and recreation centers often offer day passes, another good option for showering!
• Know Your Budget: The nice thing about van life is you have control over a major cost variable: fuel. In this day and age, gas isn’t cheap, so if that is a concern, keep that in mind when planning your route.
• Stock Up on Groceries First : The Kuga Campervan includes a mini fridge and a small food storage area. Before you get caught up in adventuring and end up hungry in the middle of nowhere, do a little meal planning and load up on groceries. Don’t forget to buy a couple jugs of water – while the van has a water tank, it is not recommended for drinking.
• Check the Forecast: The weather matters when you live in a van.
• Get To Your Campsite Before Dark: File this under: “do as I say and not as I do,” since we broke this rule several times. But it’s definitely a good idea to at least scout out your camping location in the daylight.
• Stay Safe: Share your route and itinerary with someone, especially if you plan to go somewhere remote.
• Leave No Trace: Leave all campsites better than you found them and respect our public lands. Learn about the seven principles.

Packing for a van vacation can be a challenge. Think of it as camping, with a few extra conveniences. In addition to the normal outdoorsy essentials (warm clothes, backpack, toiletries), here are a few additional items that you might want to consider bringing:

• Phone battery power bank : you can also charge your phone using the cigarette lighter charger in the cab or the USB charger in the living area. But it’s always good to have an extra power source if you are staying off the grid for an extended amount of time.
• Headlamp : it gets dark out there.
• Portable mirror : if you are headed into town and want to check and see if you are presentable, this would be useful. There aren’t any mirrors in the van.
• Sleeping pad : the Kuga has two sleeping areas: the “loft” and the dinette that converts into a sleeping area. We decided to use the loft as storage and found the dinette bed offered plenty of room for two sleeping bags. But, if I could do it all over again, I would pack a sleeping pad to add some extra cushion. A cozy Rumpl blanket would be a great addition, too.
• Flip flops to use at a campground shower.
• Quick drying towel
• Reusable water bottle
• Ziploc bags for food storage
• Cleaning wipes and trash bags (or simply reuse plastic grocery bags for this purpose).
• Hot hands: they were the real MVP when the temps got into the 20s during those fall Utah nights!
• Hand sanitizer
• Don’t forget to download some podcasts or music before you head out on the road! During this girls trip, we enjoyed binging “Spectacle,” a podcast about the history of reality TV.

Southern Utah is just magic. I’ve written about past RV trips to this corner of the world. It’s a place that somehow looks simultaneously like Mars and every iconic old western set.

For this five-night trip, we planned a ~745 mile route with stops at Valley of Fire State Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Snow Canyon State Park. As mentioned above, our first day we dealt with some flight delays that slowed us down a bit. We had planned on spending two nights at Bryce but instead opted for a shorter drive and stopped for the night outside Valley of Fire.

I think this route is an efficient way to experience a good variety of southern Utah’s gorgeous scenery and charming small towns . During this trip, I was especially excited to visit my fifth National Park of Utah’s Mighty Five: Capitol Reef National Park, which did not disappoint. If you want, you could add a day or two and squeeze in a stop by Zion National Park, too.

Here’s a look at our route via Google maps:

Pick Up: Las Vegas, Nevada

• Must Do: stock up on groceries, grab some In-N-Out, and hit the roads ASAP!
• Side Note: click here to read my Nevada road trip bucket list !

Stop 1: Valley of Fire State Park – Overton, Nevada

• Stay: this beautiful little state park has two awesome (and very popular) campgrounds. All campsites are first-come, first-served. If they are booked up (like they were when we visited), there are ample dry camping opportunities just outside the western entrance on BLM land .
• Must Do: drive the White Domes loop, look for bighorn sheep at the Beehives, check out the petroglyphs at Atlatl Rock, learn about the area at the visitor center.

Stop 2: Bryce Canyon National Park – Bryce Canyon City, Utah

• Stay: Tom’s Best Spring Dispersed Camping is a super convenient boondocking option near the park, with tons of space to spread out.
• Must Do: start with a stop at the visitor’s center to learn about the geology and see if there are any ranger talks or other events planned for the day, hike either the Fairyland Trail or the Navajo/Queen’s Garden Loop to experience the best of the hoodoos, drive to all the scenic overlooks, go shopping for souvenirs at the historic Ruby’s Inn (they have everything), make reservations at Ebenezer’s Barn & Grill for a country music review and dinner you won’t forget (the songs are still stuck in my head).

Stop 3: Capitol Reef National Park – Torrey, Utah

• Stay: we split our time between Beas Lewis Flat Dispersed Camping (awesome views) and Wonderland RV Park , who were wonderfully helpful.
• Must Do: drive Scenic Route 12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey – so gorgeous, and be sure to get coffee at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co. on the way. Start early at the historic Fruita District to buy some of the park’s iconic pies (they have sold more than 56k in 2021 alone!), hike Cassidy Arch, and soak up the never-ending vistas. We loved Dark Sky Coffee in Torrey, too. We didn’t get a chance to explore the region’s slot canyons , but they are on my list for next time!

Stop 4: Snow Canyon State Park – St. George, Utah

• Stay: we lucked out and snagged a last minute reservation at Snow Canyon’s campground , which is certainly among the nicest State Park campgrounds I have ever seen. Highly recommend.
• Must Do: explore Snow Canyon by car and by foot . Check out the Pioneer Names carved in the red rock. In St. George, check out Pioneer Park for unparalleled views above the city, grab burgers at Morty’s , and check out the friendly Silver Reef Brewing Company , home to great beers with labels any Land Before Time fan will love.

Drop Off: Las Vegas, Nevada

• Must Do: If you are flying home after your trip, I would recommend returning your van at least two hours before your flight out of Las Vegas. It’s a busy airport that can take awhile to navigate, especially if you don’t have TSA Pre-check. If you have time, stop by Seven Magic Mountains for an Instagram-worthy send off!
• Side Note: After you complete your trip (😭), take the survey provided by Travellers Autobarn so they can collect feedback about your experience. And be sure to share photos from your trip on Instagram using hashtags #travellersautobarn and #detourism .

Thank you for making this experience possible, Travellers Autobarn ! I had a blast. If you are considering a #vanlife excursion of your own, click here and use my promo code to receive a $25 discount off your rental.

Please reach out to me in the comments below or on Instagram with any questions about planning a van road trip of your own. Click here to explore more western USA travel guides.

3 thoughts on “ An RVer’s Guide to #VanLife ”

Thanks for sharing. Great info here.

I am planning to buy a campervan and would like to know which one is the best and comfortable for four people?

Looks like a pretty affordable way to do it. Thanks for sharing – your photos are gorgeous, and I can’t wait to sleep under those big skies.

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See New Zealand. From Coast to Coast.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Unlimited KMs

No Young Driver Fee

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Free Campgrounds

Discounted Petrol

Free Road Trip App

Campervan Hire New Zealand

As a proud and well established New Zealand campervan hire company, Travellers Autobarn (est. 1993) is a ‘one-stop shop’ for the backpackers and budget travellers planning their self-drive trip around New Zealand or simply up the coast in a campervan.

Select your campervan

Chubby Camper

Seats 2 • sleeps 2.

Kuga Campervan

Seats 2-3 • sleeps 2-3.

Self Contained (up to 6th Dec 2024)

Hi-5 Campervan

Seats 2-5 • sleeps 2-5.

Self Contained

Hi-Top Campervan

Station Wagon

Tent Optional

Chairs Optional

Ice Box Opt.

Gas Cooker Opt.

Ext. Table Opt.

Specials, Discounts & Relocations

8% off - christchurch pick-up, 8% off - auckland pick-up, 10% off ferry tickets, discounted petrol nz wide, roadtrip app discounts, free campsites nz wide, why #vanlife is better with us.

Unlimited Kilometres with each rental

No young driver fees – rentals available from age 18 to 80

8 Cents per litre Fuel Discount

10% off Ferry Tickets

Self-contained campervan options available

Security Bonds are only frozen – no cash deductions

24/7 Roadside Assistance – Peace of Mind

RoadTrip App – discounted activities, campsites and lots more

Flexible Cancellation Fee – no charges if cancelled 15 days prior to pick-up date

Renting Campervans since 1993 – we know New Zealand inside out

• Locations around New Zealand ( Auckland & Christchurch ), Australia & USA

Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation fee.

Until 14 days before pick-up, no cancellation fee applies:

1. $200 – within 14 days of pick-up

2. 50% – within 7 days of pick-up

3. 100% – same day or no show cancellation

Are your campervans self-contained?

Our Kuga Campervan & Hi5 Campervan (Self-Contained) are fitted out with the self-containment certificate; please ensure to book the Porta Potti during the booking stage which is required as part of the self-containment certification! If you would like to find out more about self-contained campervans and freedom camping please action our Freedom Camping knowledge base…

IMPORTANT: Due to recent changes by the New Zealand government the Kuga Campervan will no longer meet the self-contained standards from the 7th of December 2024 onwards…the Hi5 Campervan (Self-Contained) will meet the new self-contained standards and will remain self-contained!

Did you know there are plenty of camping options around where you don’t need to be self- contained including over 160 nature campsite managed by DOC (Department of Conservation) for as little as $95/person for 30 nights – more info here …this will mean big savings as self-contained campervans are generally 20% to 40% more expensive than regular campervans!

Do I require an international driving license in New Zealand?

Unless you are from an native English speaking country e.g. Australia, UK or USA you must have an international driving license by law in New Zealand! We advise you to organise this prior to arrival in New Zealand however you can also find services to get your driving license translated directly in NZ prior to picking up your campervan!

Should you have a digital driving license – which is not from New Zealand – you must also have an international driving license.

Can I pick up/drop off my vehicle outside of office hours?

We will do our best to arrange pick ups outside of our office hours yet this can not be guaranteed. To arrange a potential pick up outside of our hours, please contact our reservations team at [email protected] or 0800 348 348 to be assisted when making your booking. Please note we don’t offer any drop-offs outside of our office hours…

Please note these services are only offered out of Auckland & Christchurch (fees do apply for Christchurch).

What do I do when my campervan breaks down?

Travellers Autobarn vehicles are maintained and serviced regularly, unfortunately this doesn’t prevent the occasional mechanical malfunction or breakdown.

In the event you experience any problems, even minor, you must contact our Customer Care team for further assistance. If immediate assistance is required, it is best to phone us.

Australia: 1800 674 374

New Zealand: 0800 348 348

USA (+1) 800 469 4790

Minor mechanical repairs costing less than $100 may be undertaken without contacting us for authorisation and will be reimbursed when you return the vehicle, receipts must be provided as proof, or we are unable to refund you.

How does the bond/excess on a rental vehicle work?

When it comes to security bond options it can get quickly very confusing…so let’s talk about it and provide as much information as we can for you.

Basically, the security bond is how much you need to have available on your Visa/Mastercard credit card (please note that we don’t accept cash cards) at the time you hire your vehicle.  We will pre-authorise this amount, which means placing a hold on the funds for approximately 14 days, we do not actually deduct the funds at this time.

In the event your vehicle or third-party property is damaged, the amount of the security bond will be deducted from your credit card account and you will need to pre-authorise a 2 nd  security bond before you continue with your hire.

You can choose different options to reduce the amount of your security bond as outlined below.

IMPORTANT:  In the event any damage is caused to your vehicle or third-party property by you breaching our Terms and Conditions or the damage is caused due to one of the Exclusions listed below, the amount that is payable by you could be in excess of the security bond that you have chosen.

Standard Protection – $0/day – $3500 Security Bond

If you choose our Standard Protection package your security bond is $3,500. This is our default package and is included in your daily hire rate. On pick-up we will freeze the amount of $3,500 on your credit card for approximately 14 days from the pick-up date.

Under this option, you will also be responsible for the full cost of damage caused by Single Vehicle Rollovers or the market value of the vehicle if a Write Off up to a maximum amount of $50,000.

Protection Plus – $30-$35/day – $0 Security Bond

If you choose the Protection Plus package, your security bond is $0 (On pick-up, we will take an imprint of your credit card) and includes cover for two tyres & one front windscreen.

Under this option, you will also be responsible for the cost of damage caused by Single Vehicle Rollovers or Write-Offs up to a maximum amount of $10,000. The daily rate for this cover is $30/day for StationWagons and $35/day for Campervans.

Protection Plus Value Pack – $35-$45/day – $0 Security Bond

If you choose the Protection Plus Value package, your security bond is $0. On pick-up, we will take an imprint of your credit card – no amounts will be frozen on your credit card. It also includes two front tyres, one front windscreen, one extra driver, an external table & pre-paid Gas for your gas cooker.

This Protection Plus package also  includes  cover for single vehicle roll-overs and write-offs (something many other rental companies don’t cover). The daily rate for this cover is $35/day for StationWagons and $45/day for Campervans.

At all times the Hirer is fully responsible for all fees, damages, expenses and/or costs for:

• Loss or damage caused by or resulting from a breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Hirer (including any authorised driver).
• Loss or damage caused due to use of the Vehicle in contravention of clause 11, 22 or 25 of this Agreement.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by not driving in a prudent and cautious manner.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by driving on unsealed roads or beach driving.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle in any way by part or total water submersion including in flood water, river water, saltwater, or any other source of water.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle by the Hirer’s wilful conduct or reckless e.g. sitting or standing on the bonnet or roof of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle due to use of incorrect or contaminated fuel.
• Damage caused due to the use or misuse of snow chains.
• Damage or loss caused to any personal belongings.
• Damage to the awning, overhead (roof) or under-body of the Vehicle.
• Damage caused to the Vehicle because the Hirer has failed to perform tyres checks and maintain all fluid and fuel levels or failed to immediately rectify or report to us any defect of which you become aware.
• All costs to replace keys which have become lost, broken, damaged, stolen or of retrieval of keys which been locked in the Vehicle, or where the Vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked.
• Loss or damage caused where it is deemed by local authorities to have been careless or willful in failing to comply with any legislation or regulation controlling vehicular traffic, resulting in damage to the hired Vehicle and/or Third-Party Vehicle or any other property.
• Damage caused by the Hirer’s failure to take reasonable measures for the safety of the Vehicle, its parts or accessories, or failure to comply with all restrictions on the use of the Vehicle or otherwise abuse or misuse of it.
• The cost of recovering the Vehicle in the event it becomes stuck or bogged in wet ground, sand or mud.
• Damage to or loss of personal belongings of the Hirer or any other person within the Vehicle

For more details on all our Security Bond Options and Exclusions, please refer to our Terms and Conditions, which can be found  here…

What is included in the Free Winter Pack?

For pick-ups between May to September we offer our free winter pack which includes:

• Free extra sleeping bags
• Free heater (only works at powered camp site)
• Free hot water bottle

The free winter pack must be booked prior to pick-up and is only available for pick-ups between May to September every  year.

Road Trips & Travel Tips

Freedom Camping Taupo

Campgrounds for non-self contained campers

In-Depth Guide To DOC Campsites in New Zealand

Let’s all look after our planet., leave no trace. let’s all look after our planet., over 6000 happy customers every year.

Hired a camper van for a week to travel around the North Island and everything was great. They were quite accommodating with the no-touch late pick up and early drop off and the campervan itself drove well with no mechanical issues. Overall, would recommend to people looking to get out and explore!

Really great experience, from start to end. Van was great, with everything that we needed provided. Adrian, the Spanish receptionist, was wonderful, super helpful and really friendly. Muchas gracias Adrián! We will definitely book with them again for our next road trip :)

We toured New Zealand from end to end with Travellers' campervan and it was a beautiful experience. The campervan comes fully equipped, it is not only a transport, it is a house !!

Great service and friendly personell! Really enjoyed my campervan for 21 days and it worked and drove like a charm!

Had the best experience with travellers autobarn! my friend and I travelled around in the chubby Campervan and it had everything we need! Great bed, tools for cooking, power for charging our laptops. We managed to travel all around the south island with ease and woke up in some amazing camp spots. Highly recommend.

It was a lifetime experience in campervan. We planned our trip in just a month and found them. This camper-van was so comfortable, and cute that we were so happy to book it. We will again book them and highly recommended!!

I don't know about you guys, but I had a great experience with the Kuga and the Christchurch team, especially it was our first time renting a campervan. Van was very comfortable to sleep in, fully kitted out and easy to drive. The team was super helpful and friendly, thanks to Joseph and Craig!

We had a 2 weeks roadtrip with Travellers Autobarn (we had a Kuga) and I have to say it was one of our best experiences ever. The check in went smooth and after 20 mins we were hitting the road towards the highlights of the beautiful NZ South Island.

Super helpful, easygoing and friendly stuff. They gave us all we needed and even more! The van was clean and tidy, in great condition. We had an amazing time doing the road trip in it.

I had an amazing tour around the south island and it was a great choice to travel with travellers Autobarns. The vehicle was in excellent condition. Definitely will travel with travellers autobarn on our next visit.

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Budget Campervan Rental for Your Road Trip Adventure: Travellers Autobarn Review

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Want to test-drive the van life, literally? Travellers Autobarn has campervans for hire. We took one on the road to try it for ourselves.

Living out of a camper is no longer just for dirtbag climbers or travel-hungry globetrotters. People of all ages and from all walks of life have embraced either traveling or living full-time by campervan. And that’s just as true with renting the van life. For those not ready to purchase, there are plenty of great applications to using a van for adventures.

Who are campervans for? Really, anyone. Recent grads, remote workers, seasonal park employees, travel nurses or travel writers, retirees, and more are hitting the road, sleeper-style.

And Travellers Autobarn offers fully built-out campervans — with tons of room for gear — at an unbeatable price. I loved the van itself. But I also liked the services and features the company provides. These include unlimited mileage, access to a campground app subscription, solar panels for off-grid living, and more.

Kuga Campervan Rental: On-the-Road Review

Travellers Autobarn, an Australian company, just upgraded its fleet of Kuga campervans . The company is also fairly new to the U.S. It’s been running in Australia since 1993, but operations began here in 2019.

I lucked out and took one out for a 7-day road trip through California. Here are my thoughts on the experience. 

Overall Quality

The van excelled in some areas. In others, it was pretty standard.

The overall essentials provided in the van were really great, and they were certainly everything I needed. The company thought of lots of little details, including USB charging ports for phones, a can opener in the kitchen, and exterior lighting for sitting outside at night.

All of the company’s Kuga Campervans were updated in 2020; however, the actual vans date back as far as 2012. This means that the cab, engine, and driver’s area aren’t quite new.

Now, I can’t totally fault Travellers Autobarn on this — the brand does market itself as a budget rental service. Just know that you might get a campervan, fully built out and functional, but older.

Appliances and Functionality

The appliances in the campervan are awesome. I tested every aspect and the features rocked it.

The Dometic gas cooktop sports two burners, and the Dometic fridge worked like a charm. The solar lights, panels, and outlets were all easy to navigate. And the electric hookups did the job as well.

Also worth noting, unlike an RV, the solar batteries are quiet — there’s no generator humming or groaning in the night.

Now, as someone who usually backpacks or tent camps, I only used the electric hookups one night (which power an added 12V microwave). Everything else in the van ran off solar . In my opinion, the hookups are great, but totally optional — with solar power, you can choose whether or not to stay in a developed campground.

The campervan I tested sleeps up to three folks. I never had three people inside, but the length and width of the bottom-level bed are spacious enough for two, and the upper loft (purely for sleeping) is adequate.

There’s not much headroom for the third person up top — about a foot — but hey, it can sleep three. And when the loft is stored away, there’s still plenty of livable space for one or two.

I used the upper loft section for bedding and extra gear storage. It’s worth noting that the max standing height in about two-thirds of the van is 6’5”, more than ample for most travelers.

Gear and Storage

Let’s talk storage, which is arguably the most important part of a campervan. No one wants to take a 2-week road trip or embrace the van life if there’s no room for toys and luggage on board.

There are three storage bins under each bench in the living space of the van: two cubby-sized bins and one large main compartment. I was impressed. This room provided stash space for climbing gear and shoes , carry-on luggage, camp blankets, furniture, chairs, dirty hiking boots, and more.

On this trip, I had a 50L duffel bag, camp chairs, a blanket, a paddleboard , a daypack, a hydration bladder pack, and a travel Dopp kit all stashed away.

That’s in addition to the water hosing and electric hookups, bedding, sleeping bags, pillows, and a full cookware and kitchen set (teapot, mugs, utensils, dinnerware) provided and stored in the van.

For a one-week road trip, I had everything I needed and more. For anything longer, I would have still had ample room for gear, but I would probably have to be more strategic about food storage. (The campervan included a fridge, so I didn’t bring a cooler.)

Based on what I packed, I was able to utilize the storage for both living essentials and my personal gear. Converting the storage benches from a dining area to a bed was also fairly easy, though most days I opted to forgo the interior table. I picnicked, ate, and aprés outdoors instead.

Water, Gas, Solar, and Electric

The Dometic cooktop uses standard propane, and it’s a great size. Additionally, the fridge fit more than I thought it could. Anything not stored in the fridge went into the cupboards, which had extra room for dry goods in addition to the van’s cookware.

The water tank in the Kuga campervan holds an impressive 13 gallons (some van builds have tanks as small as 5), providing plenty of water storage for a week or several weeks.

The hose that came with the van (for refilling the tank, which I never needed to do but did test) is a standard 25-foot hose. The water pressure in the sink was great, and this aspect was seamless to operate.

The solar panels on the roof also worked great, and — thanks to California’s sunny disposition — it provided plenty of power along my trip. And the battery system was quiet.

The solar panels powered outlet and USB charging ports, the fridge, and interior and exterior lighting. In one national park, it took less than 2 hours from sunup for the two solar panels to fully charge. Impressive.

This campervan rental and road trip experience would have been miles different without this awesome solar-powered feature included on the Kuga Campervans.

Travellers Autobarn: Pick Up/Drop Off Process, Customer Service

Picking up my campervan had some ups and downs.

First, the company does an awesome job with communication, namely pre-check-in emails and digital information about your trip. I got an email several days before, a day before, a receipt upon arrival, and several at the end of the trip.

The Los Angeles Travellers Autobarn office, which I assumed would be a sunny and busy mecca, was a fairly low-key van depot. The public-facing company storefront was closed due to COVID, so take the following with a grain of salt. There was only one other person waiting to check in and pick up a van, so it didn’t take long.

The staff member who checked me in was helpful but didn’t seem the most engaging. He gave a full overview and walkthrough of the van features, answered a few questions I had, and (after a short mixup with a set of keys) I was on my way.

Returning the van at my final destination was a much smoother experience. The staff was super friendly, and the office seemed a bit more organized. Overall, my experience with Travellers Autobarn staff and customer service (in person and over the phone) was positive.

Renting With Travellers Autobarn: Why You Should

Now, I’ll dig into all the behind-the-scenes, fine-print details. Here are the pros (there are lots) and cons of renting a campervan with Travellers Autobarn.

Campervan: Fully Equipped

It’s a campervan! Sure, you could rent a car from Budget and road trip to hit some national parks, or stealth camp in a U-haul .

But really, if you are going to give someone else (or yourself) a road trip adventure, go all out. Bring refrigerated goods, bring your favorite pillow, bring the surfboard, and the trad climbing rack.

Bask in the convenience of solar panels and running water. Glamp it up.

Low Renter’s Age

Unlike Outdoorsy , GoCamp , and several other van rental services, you don’t have to be over 25 to rent with Travellers Autobarn. (There’s no young driver fee, either!) All you need is to be 21 or older.

This is a huge perk for recent grads (like my younger sister), young professionals, and millennials looking to dip their toes into the ever-trendier “living out of a van” lifestyle.

No Mileage Fees

Repeat after me: Free. Unlimited. Mileage. Take that unexpected road detour. Stop at your friends’ house. Don’t stress about how many miles you spend driving around looking for the perfect spot to camp .

Don’t worry about added costs if you go over. Travellers offers unlimited miles on every campervan rental. I love this aspect of its service.

Budget-Friendly

Travellers Autobarn told us that the all-inclusive (campervan rental, insurance, supplies) average cost per trip is $20-40 per day. (My trip came to almost exactly $33 a day.) We’ll do the math for you: A 2-week road trip is about $420. That’s cheaper than most airline costs — and definitely cheaper than a week of lodging.

Even on a DIY road trip, I can see myself spending at least $20 per day on what the campervan provides: a vehicle, lodging, a place to cook and eat (stove and fuel), and a gear room on wheels. Now, the cost does go up when you factor in things like campground fees and gas, but that’s all part of being on the road.

To make the deal sweeter — or if you are on a tight budget ( ahem , young professionals) — and worth your while, Travellers tosses in things like discounts for more days on the road, a free subscription to a campground app (with discounts) for all renters, and free 24-hour roadside assistance (which you hopefully won’t need!).

Campervan Cons, Other Logistics

I experienced very few cons with this campervan rental service. But, there were a few.

Driver and Vehicle Safety

Travellers Autobarn is a budget campervan rental company. Its vans are affordable and accessible to nearly everyone. If you are looking for a luxury, $200-per-night van getaway, this isn’t it.

The company discloses that its vans are older (as old as 2012) GMC and Chevrolet vehicles, meaning the cab isn’t the most up to date, and its controls may be manual (side mirrors, windows).

I imagine for renters not familiar with driving 18-foot vans, high-tech vehicle features like smartphone compatibility for directions and automatic controls in all vans would be nice. And that may even make the driving experience safer.

For context, we not only test-drove a campervan, but we also took a look at Travellers Autobarn’s whole California fleet for a better perspective. I’d guess a bit more than half of the vehicles had newer, automatic controls.

However, I also had a few issues on the topic of vehicle safety. One, the van I got had over 130,000 miles on it (this is not a con, just more mileage than I expected). And two, I had a few engine/service lights go on and off while driving.

When you are 80 miles from the nearest town or driving up a mountain road, this can be nerve-wracking. I had cell service, and I was able to call the company’s customer service (the team member I reached was helpful and knowledgeable) to determine whether it was safe to continue driving. But no one wants to have to deal with that on a road trip, especially when the company is marketing travel to remote places.

Slightly newer vans should be in Travellers Autobarn’s future plans. And unofficially, they are, as the company told me it plans on updating the vans every few years.

Because these are rental vehicles, Travellers Autobarn does not allow pets. So if you’re a pup parent, you will need to make arrangements for when you’re away.

Itineraries

For a vehicle rental service, it’s cool that Travellers also provides itineraries for those looking for more structure and trip ideas. This takes them up a level in my mind from just a rental service to more of a campervan and adventure company.

It even designs itineraries around specific activities, like climbing and winter sports.

I followed one of its itineraries as I tested the campervan. And while I loved the stops, national and state park recommendations, and pace, I do wish a few more details were included.

Things like two or three recommended options of where to stay, maybe a few “locals’ tips,” and a labeled estimated driving time for each day would be helpful additions.

Limited Pick-Up Locations

If you visit Travellers’ website, the first thing you’ll probably notice is its extensive, nationwide itineraries.

We’re talking Seattle, Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, Denver, Miami. The contiguous U.S. is your oyster (kind of). However, Travellers’ home bases for the brand new Kuga Campervans are only in L.A. and San Francisco, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

This is in addition to Travellers’ home stomping ground of Australia and New Zealand .

So, if you are super set on renting a campervan from these folks, you’ll want to factor travel to those locales in.

I will add that Travellers Autobarn is expanding to home bases in Denver and Seattle this year. So hopefully, you won’t have to wait long to get more options near you!

Final Thoughts

I traveled over 1,000 miles around and across California, hit up four National Parks, and a half dozen state parks as well. The van was fairly easy to drive, the interior living space functioned really well, and there was room for gear.

Short of not quite feeling like home (though this rental was better than some other rental “lodgings” I’ve experienced), this van delivered. It gave me comfort, convenience, and access to outdoor spaces.

And given everything that was included, the price is a huge positive that you really can’t turn down. I’d consider renting from Travellers Autobarn again, unless I catch myself buying and building out my own van first.

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Mary Murphy is the Managing Editor of GearJunkie. She has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for seven years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Prior to that, Mary wrote for 5280 Magazine in Denver while working as an outdoor instructor teaching climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder. Mary also serves as the leader of AllGear Digital’s DEI Committee.

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Travellers Autobarn Review – Campervan Rentals & Prices

Home | Travel | Travellers Autobarn Review – Campervan Rentals & Prices

Travellers Autobarn is a campervan rental company that we’ve used on several occasions, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Australia-based company has been around for over 30 years now, although it launched in the United States just a few years ago. Even so, it has quickly become one of the best places for RV rentals in the USA .

The company is concentrated in the Western U.S., so we’ve rented Autobarn campervans for a couple of trips around Las Vegas and the West Coast. More recently, we rented the Kuga campervan from Travelers Autobarn for an exciting journey through New Zealand. I can wholeheartedly recommend this rental service, especially if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s safe and comfortable, but also within your budget.

If you want to cut right to the chase and rent a camping van, you can go straight to the Travellers website . Otherwise, keep reading for my full Travellers Autobarn review , what we love about it, and why it’s one of the best campervan rentals in the U.S.

My honest Travellers Autobarn review – 3 campervan rentals later

As I said, we’ve used Travelers Autobarn a few times now, so we’ve become quite familiar with their campervans and the whole rental experience.

We rented the Kuga campervan each time, as it’s the perfect model for us. This high-roof campervan is efficiently designed and has a dining area, sleeping area, and a full kitchenette. I’ll share more about the Kuga van and the other Travellers camper van rentals in a bit, but just know that every rental comes with free unlimited miles, which is a huge bonus.

My honest Travellers Autobarn review

Since we travel as a couple, we have plenty of space in our campervan. That said, the Kuga model is designed to accommodate up to 3 people, which I can imagine would be a bit uncomfortable, but doable. The loft area converts into a single bed, but since we didn’t need it, we used it for extra storage space.

I also love that we can prepare our own meals in the van. This is perfect for when we want to explore more remote areas for extended periods of time. The campervan comes with a sink, fridge, and gas cooktop, powered by the van’s battery. There is also a microwave, but this is powered by the van’s solar panels, so that’s something to be aware of.

The campervan is tall enough for us to be able to stand up inside it, which makes it a lot easier to move around (Dan is 5’ 11”). Plus, we can convert the dining area into a bed in less than 2 minutes without having to open the doors. However, if you’re in the driver’s cab, you must exit the vehicle to get into the back part of the van.

Travellers Autobarn review

During the rainy days, we often use the dining area for work. We always travel with a portable Wi-Fi device , the Solis hotspot , so we can have reliable internet connection everywhere, but there are also other awesome options if you need internet while traveling .

As for driving, it’s an automatic transmission, so it’s quite easy to maneuver. It might take a bit of getting used to since it’s more top-heavy than a regular minivan, but it’s not difficult at all.

And, of course, the price for a Travellers camper van rental is very competitive. The company markets itself as a budget rental service, so you can find great deals. That said, the prices vary depending on the season, as well as where you pick up the vehicle. We’ve always picked up our campervan in Vegas, and the daily rate was around $120/day. Again, you get free unlimited miles as well as 24/7 roadside assistance, making this one of the best campervan rentals in Las Vegas .

The only con for us is that some of the vehicles are older, with some dating back to 2012. However, the company regularly services and updates its fleet, and the interiors were overhauled in 2020.

Travellers Autobarn locations in the USA

Travelers Autobarn USA has three locations in the Western U.S. At each location, the pick-up times are Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and the drop-off times are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Las Vegas location is just a few blocks from the Strip, so it’s super convenient. You can pick up your Travellers campervan after visiting the top attractions in Vegas . The Travellers website even has popular road trip ideas to inspire your next adventure.

You can also find Travellers camper van rentals in Los Angeles , California. The office is in Inglewood, so you can check out LA’s best attractions , and then head out on the road to explore the more natural areas and parks.

There is a third Autobarn location in San Francisco , specifically across the San Francisco Bay, in Hayward. If you want to start your trip in this city, a good idea would be to see the best places in San Francisco , then hop aboard your campervan for a road trip adventure.

Travellers Autobarn announced that it has two more U.S. locations coming soon: Denver and Seattle . So, you’ll have even more options for renting a cheap Travellers campervan and exploring the great United States wilderness.

Other Travellers Autobarn locations around the world

There are additional Travellers Autobarn locations outside the United States. The company actually started in Australia , so there are offices throughout the country, including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Perth, and Darwin.

They also offer campervan hires in Auckland and Christchurch, in New Zealand, as well as an office in Tokyo, Japan .

Types of Travellers Autobarn campervans

Choosing the right vehicle for your trip can be tricky, so Travelers Autobarn makes it easy by offering 4 types of campervans. You can find more details about each type below.

Keep in mind that an optional “living equipment” bundle is available with any rental for a one-time fee. It includes things like cutlery, pots/pans, cleaning supplies, sleeping bags, and linens. Also, Travelers campers in the USA aren’t self-contained, but you can purchase a portable toilet for a one-time fee, so it’s something to consider if you want to do some dispersed or free camping.

Minivan Rental – Seats 2-5 • Dodge Grand Caravan (2012 – 2017 Model)

The Travellers minivan rental is a converted Dodge Grand Caravan. It’s good for weekend tent camping trips to nearby locations. Since it’s smaller than the other vans, it gets slightly higher mileage plus, it’s easier to drive.

Travellers Autobarn minivan rental

You can add the living equipment bundle to this rental for $45, and it includes a 2-person tent, two camping chairs, an outdoor table, a gas cooktop, and cooking supplies. There is also the option to rent a folding foam mattress with sleeping bags and pillows.

Hi-Top Campervan – Seats 2-3 • Sleeps 2-3 • Chevrolet Express Campervan (2014 – 2016 Interior)

The Hi-Top Campervan from Travellers Autobarn is a Chevrolet Express campervan that sleeps 2-3 people. It has an older interior than the other campervans, but also tends to have lower daily rates, so it’s a cheaper alternative.

The van has a full kitchenette with a 2-burner gas stove, a fridge, a sink, and a microwave. It also has an 11-gallon water tank, 120V and USB plug-ins, a double bed fit-out, and a single bed in the loft area. You can add the living equipment bundle to this rental for $45.

Kuga Campervan – Seats 2-3 • Sleeps 2-3 • Chevrolet Express Campervan (2019 – 2021 Interior)

The Kuga campervan is Travelers Autobarn ’s most popular model and our personal favorite. It has a full kitchenette with a 2-burner gas stove, a fridge, a sink, and a microwave. You’ll also have an 11-gallon water tank, 120V and USB plug-ins, a double bed fit-out, and a single bed in the loft area.

Travellers Autobarn Kuga campervan

This Autobarn campervan has slightly newer interiors compared to the Hi-Top Campervan, as well as exterior lights and rooftop solar panels. You can add the living equipment bundle to this rental for $45.

Hi5 Campervan – Seats 4-5 • Sleeps 4-5 • Ford Transit Campervan (2022 or Newer)

Finally, the Hi5 Campervan is the largest Travellers campervan available, as well as the newest. It features a full kitchenette with a 2-burner gas stove, two fridges, a sink, and a microwave. There is also an 11-gallon water tank, 120V and USB plug-ins, two double beds, exterior lights, and rooftop solar panels.

The custom-built interior of this campervan hire grants you more storage room and a living area, plus a second row of seating behind the front cabin. It can sleep 4-5 people, so it’s ideal for families or groups. You can also add the living equipment bundle to this rental for a one-time fee of $75.

Travellers Autobarn insurance options

While Travelers Autobarn gives you the option to forego insurance, I always recommend purchasing insurance, so you’re covered in case anything happens. Besides, Travellers Autobarn’s insurance options are straightforward:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage to your campervan, includes protection for 2 tires and the front windshield. $13/day ($25/day for Hi5 Campervans).
• Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Up to $500,000 in protection against 3 rd parties (other vehicles, property, or people). $13.99 ($16.50 for Hi5 Campervans).
• Protection Plus : Includes CDW and SLI. $26.99 ($41.50 for Hi5 Campervans)
• Minimum Cover : $0. You’re responsible for any and all damages.

It’s always a good idea to purchase insurance! You don’t want to risk having to pay thousands of dollars for any damages caused by you or someone else.

If you’re traveling from outside the country, don’t forget your travel insurance for the USA . Health care is ridiculously expensive here!

Price of Travellers Autobarn campervan rentals

One of the best things about Travellers Autobarn is that it offers highly competitive rates. That said, the price of your rental depends on several factors, such as the pick-up location, the type of campervan, and the season.

Below, you can see the prices for a Travellers van rental for a 7-day trip and a 30-day trip. For this comparison, I selected Las Vegas as the pick-up and drop-off location.

*Sales tax and insurance not included

Travelers Autobarn ’s daily rates tend to be lower for longer trips, so you can save a lot of money if you’re traveling for several weeks or taking a month-long journey. You’ll find the lowest rates on the company’s website, and if you check the “Specials” page, you may find limited-time offers.

Also, your rental comes with free unlimited miles, 24/7 roadside assistance, a 30-day free trial to The Dyrt’s campground app, and discounts at select RV parks. All these benefits make Travellers Autobarn one of the best places to rent a campervan in the USA .

Travellers Autobarn promo codes & discounts

The Autobarn Travellers rates are already very good, but if you’re looking to save even more money, you can take a look at the website’s “Specials” page . Just make sure you read the terms and conditions to see what’s included and not included in these limited-time offers.

Travellers Autobarn discount for long hires

You can save on your Travelers camper van rental by extending the length of your trip. The “long-hire” discount is automatically applied to rentals over 7, 14, and 21 days. This discount lowers the daily rate 5%-20%, so you can save quite a lot. One-way fees are waived for any rentals over 28 days.

Travellers Autobarn special deals

Throughout the year, Travellers Autobarn offers special discounts for certain locations. For example, 15% off rentals out of Las Vegas and Los Angeles during some months. Check the website’s “Specials” page for more information on current Travellers Autobarn deals.

Travellers Autobarn relocation deals

Another special offer you can find on the website is a relocation deal. These types of discounts change throughout the year but can be a great deal if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

For example, you may find a Las Vegas to San Francisco relocation deal that includes 3 free days and 700 miles. However, the special only applies to certain Autobarn campervans . Also, you’ll be charged for any excess miles (50 cents/mile) and days ($99/day).

Travellers Autobarn discount for U.S. military personnel & veterans

Lastly, U.S. military service members and veterans can get 10% off their Travellers campervan for rental periods of 7 days or longer. To get the discount, you must contact Travellers Autobarn customer service and present valid documentation.

10 Things that make Travellers Autobarn the best campervan rental in the U.S.

There are plenty of reasons why Travellers Autobarn is considered one of the best campervan rentals in the USA . Below, I’ll share the top 10 reasons why Travelers Autobarn stands out from the rest.

1. Space-efficient conversions

Travellers campervans are ideal for couples, which is why they’re so perfect for us. The Kuga and Hi-Top vans can accommodate 2-3 people, while the Hi5 vans can sleep 4-5. In addition to a full kitchenette, there is a convenient dining area with a double bed fit-out, plus a loft area that can be used for storage or an additional bed.

One of the coolest things about the campers from Travelers Autobarn is that you can easily convert the dining area to a sleeping area in less than 2 minutes without having to open the van’s doors or stepping outside.

We visited New Zealand during our 10-month around-the-world trip and we were traveling with two big suitcases, plus two big camera bags. However, we had plenty of room in our campervan to move around comfortably.

2. Fully-equipped campervans

Travelers’ camper van rentals come with everything you need for life on the road. Your camper comes with a full kitchenette, which includes a decent-sized fridge, a microwave, a sink, and a gas cooktop. You’ll also have plenty of storage space for dry goods as well as luggage and equipment.

Fully-equipped campervans

The vans also have an 11-gallon water tank with a 25-foot hose, charging ports, and USB plug-ins. The Kuga and Hi5 campervans also have rooftop solar panels, so you can enjoy short-term off-grid living.

We also appreciated the battery capacity since on our New Zealand trip it rained non-stop for 3 days, and we were able to work on our laptops without driving around or draining the batteries.

3. Free unlimited miles

One of the best things about renting a campervan from Travelers Autobarn is that you get free unlimited miles, regardless of which vehicle you choose. So, there’s no need to worry about taking a detour or circling the lot looking for a parking spot.

4. Great campervan rental prices

In addition to free unlimited miles, Travellers Autobarn has highly competitive daily rates, making them one of the best options for budget-conscious travelers. You can get a campervan rental for as low as $50/day, and insurance costs as little as $13/day.

Of course, keep in mind that the prices depend on things like your rental location, the length of your trip, the type of van you rent, and the season.

5. 24/7 roadside assistance

Another perk of renting from Travelers Autobarn is that you’ll have 24/7 access to their roadside assistance team. So, if you get stuck with a flat tire, you need a jump-start, the vehicle breaks down, or anything else, help is just a phone call away.

24/7 roadside assistance

Travellers Autobarn can also help with any questions or concerns you may have, be it a mysterious light on your dashboard or you’re worried about running out of gas. To reach them, simply dial 1-800-469-4790.

So far, we haven’t had to use roadside assistance, and I hope to keep it that way!

6. Super quick pick-up/drop-off process

Once you confirm your reservation, you’ll receive email alerts in the days leading up to your pick-up time with all the necessary information. You can also complete the online check-in to make the in-person pick-up process super quick and easy. You’ll also receive email notifications before your drop-off date.

7. Friendly pick-up/drop-off times

Travellers Autobarn ’s pick-up hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday, and the drop-off hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday – Saturday. If you need to arrange pick-up outside of these hours, you can contact customer support. However, contactless pick-up is only available in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

8. No young driver fee

Many campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 25 years old, but with Travellers Autobarn , you can rent a van as long as you’re 21 or older. Plus, there is no young driver fee, making this the best option for young professionals or recent graduates.

9. Discounted caravan parks

When you rent a Travellers camper van , you’ll get a 10% discount for your stay at any KOA campground in the U.S. You’ll receive the discount code when you pick up the vehicle, and you can use that code when booking your campsite reservation on the KOA Campgrounds website .

Be aware that this 10% discount applies to your first stay, and for a maximum of 4 nights.

10. Free 30-day campground app

Travellers Autobarn is partners with the online campground platform, The Dyrt. With your Travelers camper van rental , you’ll get a 30-day free trial for The Dyrt’s Pro Camping app .

The app helps you find top-rated campgrounds in your area, download campsite maps, create your own itineraries, and more. You can even get exclusive discounts at hundreds of campgrounds nationwide.

Travellers Autobarn terms and conditions

It’s always important to read the fine print so you know what you’re getting with your campervan rental. You can read the full Travellers Autobarn terms and conditions here , but I think the most essential information pertains to cancellations and changes to your rental.

For example, if you want to extend your rental period or change your drop-off location after picking up the camper, you must contact Travellers Autobarn and obtain written consent. Also, these types of changes may result in an additional fee (up to $500)

There is also a $25 fee if you make any changes to your rental reservation within 28 days of your pick-up date or during your rental period. No refunds will be given if you change to an earlier pick-up or drop-off date within 28 days of the original date.

Regarding cancellation fees, it depends on when you cancel:

• Up to 14 days before pick-up : free cancellation
• Within 14 days of pick-up : $200
• Within 7 days of pick-up : 50% of the rental price
• Same-day cancellation/no-show : 100% of the rental price

Again, you can read the full terms and conditions for Travellers Autobarn online or contact them if you have any questions.

How to contact Travellers Autobarn in the U.S.

If you have to contact an Autobarn location or the customer support team, you have a few ways to do so:

Travellers Autobarn phone number (for customer support)

You can contact the customer care team Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Reach them by phone at 1-800-469-4790.

Travellers Autobarn email

If you have a question or request that isn’t urgent, you can send Travellers Autobarn an email via the official website or at [email protected] . They usually respond within 24 hours.

Travellers Autobarn roadside assistance

You can use Traveler Autobarn roadside assistance 24/7 at 1-800-469-4790. The assistance team is on Skype, WeChat, and WhatsApp.

Travellers Autobarn reviews from other road trippers

You don’t have to take our word for it; there are plenty of others who have had great experiences with Travelers Autobarn . Across its three U.S. locations, the company has an average of 4.5 stars on Google, with over 340 reviews.

Here is a positive Travellers Autobarn review from a customer who took their campervan across different terrains and elevations. They point out how reliable the vehicle was, allowing them to enjoy total freedom and convenience:

This is another review from a customer who chose the Kuga camper van rental from Travellers . They noted how flexible and functional the van’s layout was, and the overall efficiency of the vehicles and the company:

No company is immune from negative reviews, so here is an example from a customer who gave the company a 1-star rating. However, it seems that there was a communication issue, and they called the wrong phone number:

Here is how Travellers Autobarn responded:

Overall, the majority of customers are super satisfied with their Autobarn campervans , regularly praising the vehicles’ useful storage areas and bed fit-outs, as well as the seamless renting process. You can read more reviews for Travellers Autobarn here .

Summing up: Main pros & cons of renting from Travellers Autobarn

After reading this Travellers Autobarn review , it’s clear that this rental company has way more advantages than disadvantages. To summarize, here are the most important pros and cons of Travellers Autobarn :

Overall Travelers Autobarn is an amazing choice, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly campervan rental. The Kuga van from Travellers is the perfect vehicle for our road trip adventures, providing plenty of storage, sleeping space, and a full kitchenette. Best of all, we get free unlimited miles with every rental, on top of the already competitive rates.

Travellers doesn’t allow pets, but that’s not a problem for us. And while some of the models are older, all of the vehicles are regularly serviced. So far, we have never had to call roadside assistance! If you’re in the western USA, this is by far one of the best companies you can rent from.

If you’re ready to book, you can use these booking sites depending on the country you’re traveling to:

• Campervan hire New Zealand
• Campervan hire Australia
• Campervan rental USA
• Campervan rental Japan

FAQs – Travellers Autobarn review

To finish up this Travellers Autobarn review , I’m sharing the answers to some common questions. If you have any concerns about renting a Travelers camper van , check if your question is answered below!

What is Travellers Autobarn cancellation fee?

The Travellers Autobarn cancellation fee depends on when you cancel:

What are the Travellers Autobarn pick-up & drop-off times?

Travellers Autobarn ’s pick-up times are Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The drop-off hours are Monday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Are bedding kits and cooking utensils included with your Travellers Autobarn rental?

No, but you can purchase the living equipment bundle for a one-time fee, which includes bed linens, cutlery, pots/pans, and more.

What should I do if my Travellers Autobarn campervan breaks down?

The Autobarn campervans undergo regular service and maintenance checks, but if you experience a problem, you should contact the roadside assistance team at 1-800-469-4790 (for the USA).

What is the minimum rental period at Travellers Autobarn?

Depending on the season, the minimum rental period is 4-10 days.

Can a child seat be fitted on Travellers Autobarn rental campervans?

Yes, you can request baby and child seats for your Autobarn campervan .

Do I require an international driving license to rent a campervan at Travellers Autobarn?

No, you don’t need an international driver’s license to rent from Travelers Autobarn , but it’s recommended when traveling from abroad.

Does Travellers Autobarn allow you to travel into Canada?

Yes, travel into Canada is allowed at no extra cost.

Does Travellers Autobarn allow you to travel into Mexico?

No, Travellers Autobarn USA does not allow travel into Mexico.

Does Travellers Autobarn allow you to travel through Death Valley?

Yes, the company allows travel through Death Valley, but only between October 1 st to April 30 th .

Can you travel with a pet on a Travellers Autobarn campervan?

No, Travellers camper van rentals do not allow pets.

Can you take a Travellers Autobarn campervan to Burning Man?

No, you aren’t allowed to take your Travelers camper van rental to Burning Man.

That’s it for this Travellers Autobarn review ! I hope this answered any questions or concerns you had, but if you’re still unsure, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to help you out as best I can.

I’d also love to hear about your experience with Travellers Autobarn in the USA or elsewhere. Let me know what you think!

Stay safe and have a great campervan adventure!

Ascen Aynat

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Kuga Campervan Rental

Seats 2-3 (Front seat)

• Sleeps 2-3

• Toyota Campervan (2023 or Newer Fit-Out)

Microwave Fridge Gas cooker Sink USB Solar panel Light

• Seats & Sleeps 2-3
• 2023 – 24 Interior Age
• Full kitchenette – fridge, gas cooker, microwave & sink
• 2*110V Power Plug-ins & USB plugs
• Solar panels to recharge your lights & fridge
• Rentals from age 18
• Free Unlimited kilometers

About the Kuga Campervan

The Kuga Campervan is perfect for traveling and living comfortably during your Japan road trip.

Our Kuga Campervan features a practical and comfortable interior, with the kitchen and bedding fit-out being newly built by us (fit-out 2023 – ). Spacious enough to stand up and move around inside, this is the perfect choice for 2-3 travelers.

Campervans for the budget conscious and young at heart!

What should you expect?

Looking to embark on a budget road trip? Then you can’t beat a Travellers Autobarn campervan. If you’re looking for something shiny and new with a toilet and shower, this is not the van for you. We specialize in the true spirit of adventure and camping lifestyle. Practicality and value are our drivers. Simple vans at a great price.  We build our campervans on used Toyota Hi-Ace, the vans are generally 2016 or newer but the interior build-outs are new when they enter service with Travellers Autobarn. We are different from other Camper Van businesses. Our vehicles are designed and built with YOU the renter at the forefront of our thinking.

What’s different about a Travellers Autobarn Campervan?

STANDING ROOM – Compared to similarly sized and priced campervans, Travellers Autobarn has more space and Internal height (2m) means even with the bed in place you are still able to stand up in the van to get dressed or make a coffee on the stove

SOLAR PANEL and AUXILLARY BATTERY – Providing you with enough energy to power your fridge, lights, water pump, and all the USBs and 12V outlets you need to charge those essential electronic gadgets!

• Vehicle age: 2014 or newer
• Fit-out age: 2023 – 2024
• Transmission: Automatic
• Engine: 2.0 or 2.7 liters, 4 cylinder
• Fuel: Unleaded (regular)
• Fuel consumption guide: 12 – 14 liters/100 km
• Powered Steering: Yes
• Dual battery: Yes
• Power supply: 2* 110 V to charge electrical appliances

Interior height:

1.85m x 1.55m

1.6m x 1.38m

• Seating: 2-3 (front seats)
• Sleeps: 2-3
• Air Conditioning (front cabin)
• USB & 12 V Plug-in
• Sink with running water
• Water & Grey Water tank (11 Gallons/43L each)
• Rooftop solar panel (charges lights, fridge & USB Plug-ins)
• Cigarette lighter / Charger
• Fire extinguisher

A fee of ¥4,000 applies (covers up to 3 people)

• Sleeping bags
• Kitchen cutlery
• Kitchen pots & pans
• Bath towels
• Cleaning equipment
• Baby seat (6 months to 3 years): Must be secured in a baby seat on passenger seat.
• Booster seat (From 4 years & up to 140cm): Must be secured in a forward facing child restraint or booster seat.

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Destination:

Campervan & RV Rentals USA

Free Unlimited Miles

No Young Driver Fee

24/7 Roadside Assistance

Friendly Pick-up / Drop-off Times

Discounted Caravan Parks

Free 30 Day Camp App

Free 30 Day Camp Ground App

MiniVan Rental

• Dodge Grand Caravan

Tent Optional

Chairs Optional

Ice Box Optional

Ext. Table Opt.

Gas Cooker Opt.

An affordable way to tour US

The Travellers Autobarn Minivan rental, or Station Wagon if you’re from overseas, is ideal for your budget road trip vacation!  The Minivan is the perfect vehicle to camp your way across the U.S. or simply [...]

The Hi-Top Campervan

• Sleeps 2-3

• 2014-16 Interior Age

You won’t miss out with the Hi-Top

The HiTop campervan is a thoughtfully designed vehicle that sleeps 2 to 3 people. Functional cooking and storage areas included. Cheap, thrifty, economic, whatever you call it, don’t be misconceived by the price. You won’t [...]

The Kuga Campervan

• 2019-2022 Interior Age

Solar panel

Spacious enough to stand up and move around

Our most popular campervan model, the Kuga Campervan is perfect for travelling and living comfortably during your USA road trip. Our Kuga Campervan features a practical and comfortable interior, with the kitchen and bedding fit-out [...]

The Hi5 Campervan

• Sleeps 4-5

• 2022-2024 Model

The Hi5 Campervan - perfect for groups & families

The Hi5 Camper is our biggest & newest camper yet (manufactured & built in late 2022 or newer!!!), seating and sleeping up to 5 people! It is ideal for families with young kids or groups [...]

Campervan & RV Rentals USA

Campervans for the budget conscious and young at heart! Looking to embark on a  budget road trip  ? Then you can’t beat a Travellers Autobarn campervan.. We have a wide range of RV rentals that you can use for the road trip of your lifetime around the USA. All our camper van rentals are affordably priced and include a mixture of old and new vehicles. Longer-term rental discounts are also our specialty. There is truly no better way to tour the US, and we can make your  campervan  sightseeing dreams come alive, throughout any of our locations –  Los Angeles ,  Las Vegas , Denver , Seattle , & San Francisco . Plus – all our campervan & RV rentals come with UNLIMITED FREE MILES!

Renting a campervan with Travellers Autobarn

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One Month In A Travellers AutoBarn Kuga Campervan

We spent one month in a Travellers AutoBarn Kuga Campervan. The “van life” lifestyle was made popular by our hippie relatives back in the 60’s. It has gained popularity in recent years. Upon returning from our trip overseas we wanted to see some of our great national parks. We decided a campervan trip would be a great way to see so much of the US and national parks. We truly enjoyed our time in the campervan, we’ll share some insight on our month long adventure.

• 1 Overall Pros and Cons
• 2 Campgrounds
• 3 Eating In A Kuga Campervan
• 4 Sleeping In A Kuga Campervan
• 5 Driving A Car Versus Driving A Van In National Parks
• 6 Power, Heating, Cooling In A Kuga Campervan
• 7.1 How Much Does A Campervan Rental Cost For A Month

Overall Pros and Cons

There are a lot of pros to traveling in a campervan but there are also some cons.

Campgrounds

When we were planning our one month in the Travellers AutoBarn Kuga Campervan, we started with where we could park the van. There are lots of free options out there like on BLM land but you have to think about electric hook up, water and shower facilities. You will find many options from no frills campgrounds to those with incredible amenities like mini golf and swimming pools. We downloaded the KOA app but you will find other campgroud apps too.

Eating In A Kuga Campervan

One of the great things about our Kuga Campervan was that we had a kitchen. The mini fridge held enough food for a couple days. We had a gas cook top which allowed us to stop and cook wherever we wanted. A sink with running water was a great perk to preparing meals. The water from the faucet is not potable but it’s great for quick cleanups. We quickly realized the great advantages of having a kitchen with you while we were driving around Yellowstone National Park . It was so great to stop in any parking lot to make lunch or dinner.

Sleeping In A Kuga Campervan

Sleeping in a Kuga Campervan was better than I imagined. I was surprised with how comfortable the bed was. During the day we had the benches and table set up then as we arrived at our campsite we would make it into the bed. It only took a few minutes to make up the bed as you can see in the video tour of the van. Travellers AutoBarn provided sheets and we bought a couple flannel blankets to keep warmer on nights when it was a bit cooler. We were also provided with pillows and we always have our travel pillows with us for extra comfort.

Driving A Car Versus Driving A Van In National Parks

We have done road trips in our car and now we can also add that we have done road trips in a campervan in national parks. There are definite pros to being in a van in the national parks. One of the big advantages is that you can cook your meals in the park and not have the extra expense of purchasing meals in the park. In a campervan you have more parking options than in a car. You can park in the regular parking lot but you can also park in the RV section in the lots. You can also stay closer to most parks by camping near the park like at Yosemite National Park . You can stay a lot closer to the park entrance than if you were in other accommodations. One major disadvantage to traveling to a national park in a campervan is the size. There are some roads you can not travel due to size restrictions, like the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.

Power, Heating, Cooling In A Kuga Campervan

We learned so much on our one month in the Kuga Campervan. One of the important things we quickly learned was about power. The vans are equipped with solar panels to give you longer amounts of time without having to hook in. It was nice to be able to plug in a small heater on the cooler nights to stay warm. We also had a small battery operated fan we used on the warmer nights or just to keep flies away as we ate. You can go nearly three days without plugging in before you will be forced to. As I mentioned, we quickly learned how to conserve energy and could save money on camping fees when we didn’t need a site with hook ups.

Our one month adventure was a lot of fun. In the end we decided this was not something we wanted to do full time but it is certainly fun for a month at a time. We were able to save a lot of money on food and housing as well as saving time for more adventuring. It was great to get closer to attractions by camping close to entrances or inside national parks. Gas was a bit more of an expense but the van did better on gas mileage than we anticipated. Overall, we would definitely do this trip again, especially now that we know what we are doing.

How Much Does A Campervan Rental Cost For A Month

Our Kuga campervan rental total cost was $2,541.92 including taxes. The main reason we rented from Travellers AutoBarn is that they were the only company we could find that included unlimited miles with the rental. In our month on the road we drove just over 5,000 miles, making that quite a savings.

Allie Marmion

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Travellers Autobarn: What is it Really Like to Hire a Campervan in NZ?

A review of travellers autobarn (more specifically, the kuga campervan)….

Road tripping around New Zealand’s glorious landscapes is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most of us. Finding a worthy vehicle while sticking to your budget is, therefore, one of the most important decisions you’ll make for the road ahead. With that in mind, the team behind NZ Pocket Guide have checked out one of the most prominent campervan brands gracing New Zealand’s roads, Travellers Autobarn , with a sole focus on their ultra-popular camping vehicle, the Kuga campervan .

Travellers Autobarn Kuga Campervan Hire: The Specs

Before we dive into the complete review of Travellers Autobarn’s Kuga campervan, here are the most important specifications:

• Transmission : Automatic
• Fuel : Unleaded
• Fuel consumption : 12-15 litres/100km
• Dual battery : Yes
• Power supply : 2* 240V to charge electrical appliances
• Length 5 m, Height 2.7m, Width 1.7m, Internal height 1.85-1.9m

Campervan Living Amenities (Included)

• Sleeps : 3 in one double bed (1.9m x 1.55m) and one single bed (1.6m x 1.4m)
• Air conditioning in the front cabin
• Kitchen : gas stove, fridge, sink, microwave and fire extinguisher
• Water supply : fresh water tank and grey water tank
• Electric supply : 12V Plug, 2 x USB chargers, internal lights, cigarette lighter/charger, radio and CD player
• Winter inclusions : heater, hot water bottle and sleeping bag

Optional Extras (for a Fee)

• Living equipment (all under the same fee) : kettle, cutlery, pots and pans, tea towels, cleaning equipment, sleeping bags, pillows and sheets
• Porta Potti (portable toilet – needed to be certified self-contained to enable you to freedom camp )
• Child booster seat (4-7 years old)
• Other extras include insurance, GPS, camping chairs, snow chains, extra drivers, etc. Use the booking page of Travellers Autobarn to see all of the extras.

Where to Hire

These vans can be picked up and/or dropped off at their depots in Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Finally, rental with Travellers Autobarn also includes unlimited kilometres ,  24/7 roadside assistance and 10% at Kiwi Holiday Parks.

Is Travellers Autobarn Cheap?

Budget is important, so we’ll waste no time in answering the question: is Travellers Autobarn cheap? More to the point are they good value for the price?

One of the Best-Value Campervan Rentals (But Check Those Additional Fees)

Like any campervan rental company in New Zealand, daily rental rates with Travellers Autobarn fluctuate with the seasons but even then, their prices always stay competitive. When looking for affordable campervans, i.e. those in the budget range, TA is among the first we recommend in The Best Budget Campervan Rentals in New Zealand . Be aware, however, that you’ll come across some additional fees throughout the booking process. For instance, the portable toilet required to make the Kuga campervan legally self-contained is an additional one-off fee of NZ$50. This doesn’t put too much of a dent in your budget if hiring for a few days, but might be off-putting for short-term hires.

Additionally, you’ll notice that “Living Equipment” also comes at an additional fee. Although this may initially raise a red flag, it’s only a one-off fee no matter how many days you hire. Plus, rental rates start so low that this minor fee still puts Travellers Autobarn in the run for being one of the best value budget rental options in New Zealand.

Where to Get the Best Deals and Discounts for Travellers Autobarn

With regular deals listed on the Travellers Autobarn website, plus, campervan relocation opportunities , the TA website tends to be the cheapest place to book their rental vehicles.

Are Travellers Autobarn Campervans Easy to Drive?

If you’re new to driving a camping vehicle, then the Kuga campervan is ideal. Travellers Autobarn’s Kuga vans are a Toyota Hiace, a popular campervan model in New Zealand and one of the best models for starting out on the camping vehicle scene. The vehicles are only a little longer than you’re standard car and approximately the same width. You won’t need to worry too much about following our advice in The Best Tips for Parking a Campervan or Motorhome in New Zealand . Just remember to reopen all of the curtains before driving (not that we’re speaking from experience).

What’s more, all of Travellers Autobarn’s campervans have automatic transmission with power steering so it’s a mostly smooth drive. The lever handbrake might throw you off at first if you’re not used to that sort of handbrake, but it’s well-labelled on how to use it. You’ll get used to it in no time!

One thing that you might want to be more mindful of, however, is the height of the car – you get that sense of being a little “top-heavy” unlike driving a car. While this isn’t too much of a problem, just note that you’ll want to take those corners a bit slower. There’s a reason why “single vehicle roll over” is one of the cover options in the insurance…

What’s it Like to Live in a Travellers Autobarn Campervan?

The interiors of Travellers Autobarn’s Kuga model are simple yet cleverly designed to make the most of the space without sacrificing room for storage.

Everything you need for campervan maintenance – fresh water pipe, grey water pipe, boards required to fold out the bed, etc. – are all tucked away in one corner of the van. Then all of the space under the rest of the seats and above the cabin is yours! We found that large backpacks and small suitcases work best with the space.

Keeping Warm in the Campervan

Travellers Autobarn is one of the few rental companies in New Zealand that provide sleeping bags and pillows rather than duvets. While sceptical at first, we found that this keeps the van easier to tidy and are, arguably, warmer than a duvet on those crisp New Zealand nights. Speaking of the cold, you get extra sleeping bags, hot water bottles, an electric heater, etc. with a free “winter pack” during the colder months. If you need more tips on the subject, head over to How to Stay Warm When Camping in New Zealand .

The Kitchen: Self-Catering in a Campervan

As for the kitchen, the gas stove is easy to use but you may need a match or a lighter to get it started. Travellers Autobarn included some matches with our rental vehicle – but just make sure some are included or the spark on the stove works before setting off. The fridge runs on the van battery, but you’ll need to be plugged into a powered site if you want to use the microwave or kettle.

All the necessary kitchen equipment is also included in that “Living Equipment” package mentioned previously but some drinking glasses are a bit loose on the shelves so either pack them in with groceries or take those speedbumps extra slowly!

Staying Inside the Van: Moving Between a Living and Sleeping Space

An aspect of this campervan that our team were excited to mention is that you can enjoy living in the van without having to step outside (especially during a classic New Zealand rainy spell ). Many rental campervans in New Zealand require you to open the back door to have full access to your kitchen, for example, but you can transition your space from dining room to bedroom (and do the cooking) without opening the doors. Or, at least, this is more the case for two people. When three adults are staying in the van, we imagine that this can be a little more challenging.

Are They Self-Contained? (Can You Freedom Camp)?

In New Zealand, it’s not as straightforward as parking up a campervan and staying the night. There are rules and regulations on what type of vehicle you can use for what’s commonly known as “freedom camping”. In order to legally use many freedom camping areas in New Zealand, you need a certified self-contained vehicle. You can read up on the details in our guide, What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand . While Travellers Autobarn’s Kuga campervan isn’t legally self-contained at the base cost, it can be made legal by renting a Porta Potti (portable toilet) for a one-off fee. For the money you’ll save on campsites and holiday parks in the long run, the addition is worth considering.

For travellers solely staying in holiday parks, campsites with toilets and Department of Conservation campsites , a certified self-contained vehicle isn’t necessary. Plus, you’ll probably prefer using campsite toilets.

Final Thoughts

Should you hire a campervan from Travellers Autobarn ? Solo travellers, couples or a couple of friends on a budget will find that the Kuga campervan has everything they need for a comfortable and affordable road trip across New Zealand. First-time campervanners will also find the Kuga less threatening than some of the motorhome monsters on the roads. We also respect the fact that Travellers Autobarn is one of the very few campervan rental companies that offer self-contained vehicles for drivers as young as 18 years old .

While the campervans don’t have too many bells and whistles, they have all of the necessities that are easy to use, flattening the learning curve of living the van life. If you find the deal that’s right for you, the Kuga campervan is a worthy companion for your road trip around New Zealand.

More About Campervan Hire in New Zealand

That’s it for our complete Travellers Autobarn review. Compare Travellers Autobarn NZ to other campervan rentals by browsing the following guides and comparisons:

• The Best Campervan Rental Companies in New Zealand
• The Best Budget Campervan Rentals in New Zealand
• The Best Affordable Campervan Rentals in New Zealand

Finally, get all the tips you need for road tripping in the campervan using  How to Plan a Campervan Trip in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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